Police search for missing Avril

“Samples were taken of the bones found in the boot and samples were taken from items belonging to Ms Whitfield at her home and sent away for DNA testing.

“I’m pleased to say that the tests were a perfect match. This does not happen very often.

Search 'absolutely gut-wrenching' for Avril's family

“The situation now is that we now have evidence of whose foot this is and further inquiries are now being carried out but I am satisfied, beyond reasonable doubt, that the foot is that of Avril Whitfield.

“Because of where the foot was found and because Avril Whitfield disappeared in April and no trace has been found of her I am satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that she is dead,” the coroner said.